Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Matte SPF 50
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 2 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“Ideal for Medium to Deep skin tone.”
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
Moisturizing12 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Powered by EnviroScreen ™ Technology, this hydrating, antioxidant-rich mineral formula provides total protection from environmental aggressors in a weightless texture that blends invisibly into all skin tones.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, butylene glycol.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, dimethiconol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
This product can also help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (dimethylmethoxy chromanol, disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates, tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy11 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Niacinamide~22–33%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideTocopherol~6.3–9.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolZinc oxide12%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideWater~4.5–6.8%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~4–6.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateButyloctyl salicylate~3.1–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own
More about Butyloctyl salicylateLauryl peg-8 dimethicone~2.3–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together
More about Lauryl peg-8 dimethiconeDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerPolymethylsilsesquioxane/silica crosspolymer~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps add a "soft focus" effect on the surface of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane/silica crosspolymerDimethicone~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconePropanediol~0.95–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolNiacinamide~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideTridecyl salicylate~0.55–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Trilaureth-4 phosphate~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Trilaureth-4 phosphateDimethiconol~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time
More about DimethiconolSilica~0.85–1.3%
Lauryl peg-10 tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl dimethicone~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Maltodextrin~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinSodium chloride~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideBisabolol~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololPolysilicone-11~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
More about Polysilicone-11Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A form of Vitamin E. In concentrations 1-3%, it can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support photodamage repair
More about Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphatesButylene glycol~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.85%
Allantoin~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinTremella fuciformis sporocarp extract~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mushroom extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extractSilica~0.4–1%
Isoceteth-10~0.2–0.8%
Caprylyl glycol~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolHexylene glycol~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolDimethylmethoxy chromanol~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Dimethylmethoxy chromanolCaesalpinia spinosa fruit pod extract~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract with antioxidant effect. Is often added to skincare to boost SPF
More about Caesalpinia spinosa fruit pod extractTetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetateDecyl glucoside~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideHelianthus annuus sprout extract~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can help support the skin barrier
More about Helianthus annuus sprout extractPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium benzoate~0.1–0.5%
Benzoic acid~0.05–0.25%
Dehydroacetic acid~0.05–0.2%
Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.2%
Iron oxides~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesCi 77491~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating
More about Ci 77491Ci 77492~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Zinc oxide, Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Butyloctyl salicylate, Lauryl peg-8 dimethicone, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/silica crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Tridecyl salicylate, Trilaureth-4 phosphate, Dimethiconol, Unknown, Silica, Lauryl peg-10 tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl dimethicone, Maltodextrin, Sodium chloride, Bisabolol, Polysilicone-11, Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates, Butylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, Silica, Isoceteth-10, Caprylyl glycol, Hexylene glycol, Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, Caesalpinia spinosa fruit pod extract, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Decyl glucoside, Helianthus annuus sprout extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Iron oxides, Ci 77491, Ci 77492
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| ColorescienceSunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Matte SPF 50YOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeHydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 with Zinc Oxide | AvèneSolaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Tinted Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+ | Heliocare360 Pediatric Mineral SPF 50+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 89% | 88% |
| Price | $34.02 | $18.49−$15.53 | $32.00−$2.02 | $26.36−$7.66 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 13 | 5 of 13 | 5 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Colorescience - Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Matte SPF 50" can provide reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 25.73£ up to 26.95£ in the United Kingdom and for 42.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 5A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6
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